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Scotch Thistle - Page 2 Here's a picture from March, 2004. Later on in the spring, the plant bolts or spikes in preparation for flowering and seed production. At that time, the taproot becomes too tough to cut easily, and the diameter of the plant expands, making it difficult to reach the root. So we rely then on long-handled pruning shears to cut the taproot. By leaning on the end of the fixed handle and then pulling the movable handle, it is possible to make an easy, clean cut of the taproot. The shears we use are made in Japan. Mowing, using a tractor-driven brush hog, is another means of control on the flatter areas where the density tends to be greater. This would be particularly useful to stop plants that are beginning to flower and set seeds, as was the case in 2003. But watch out for plants that the tractor has laid over without cutting. Even though the plant is lying down, the root may not be severed, and the seed pods can still be growing... And if not all the leaves are removed, mowing can allow the plant to regrow from the root. Going back over the mowed field a little while later with the long-handled pruner is a very good idea. Mowing with a steel-bladed, gasoline-powered weed whacker is performed on slopes and areas that the tractor can't reach. We use a Honda 4-stroke. Be sure to wear goggles and long sleeves... Disking would also be a possibility, but we prefer to disturb the ground as little as possible. The thistle seeds germinate readily in disturbed ground. In particular, there appears to be some synergy between the thistle and the gophers and moles. The thistle germinates readily on the mounds of dirt they produce, and they eat many of the plants - but not all of them... Another option for thistle control is livestock grazing. Before cattle were excluded from Fox Creek, we noted that they were helpful in grazing young thistle plants and impeding their growth (but not killing them). We understand that goats will browse more mature thistle. We are restricted from grazing in our CRP contract area, but would be interested in seeing if some goats might help out in certain other areas. If all this sounds like a lot of work that produces little economic benefit, you're partly right. Here at Fox Creek, we are lucky that we have time available to get it done. But, if you have a thistle infestation, try to put some time in each day on control. Really, it's an excellent excuse to get out into the peace and beauty of rural America. The sound of the birds and of the water in the creek are beautiful accompaniments to what can be a very gratifying and most worthwhile task. |
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If Scotch thistle has an Achilles' heel, it may be the grayish green color of the small rosettes. This distinctive color allows them to be spotted quite easily in the surrounding vegetation. They have a hard time hiding from that sharp hoe... 
